Riptide, the psychological thriller that first aired on Channel 5 in 2022, returns this week after four years. The four-part drama follows newlyweds Alison and Sean, whose perfect life unravels when Sean fails to return from a morning surf. The series stars Jo Joyner (EastEnders, Ackley Bridge), Ciarán Griffiths (Shameless, The Flats), Peter O'Brien (Neighbours, The Unusual Suspects), and David Berry (Outlander).
Filming Location in Australia
Riptide was filmed on location in Melbourne and Victoria, Australia, over several weeks in August 2022. Many cast members praised the stunning coastal backdrops and the ocean-side house used as the characters' home.
Benny Turland, who plays Ethan Weston, described the house as "phenomenal." He noted the challenges of filming in Melbourne's variable weather: "It was very cold! Because of that ocean, the wind coming in was icy... It's like a wind tunnel and you can get four seasons in one day. You'll be covered in jackets with hot water bottles and umbrellas one minute, and the next minute the sun's out and you're sweating! But, yeah, the location was phenomenal." Turland added that the house helped him get into character: "I've never been in a place like that ever before... It definitely helped to get into character, being in this phenomenal house with that view of the ocean. It was pretty spectacular."
Cast Reactions to Melbourne
Jo Joyner, who plays Alison, expressed her love for Melbourne: "I really, really fell for Melbourne in a big way – it was honestly amazing. I could live there. I will always have a soft spot for the place now."
David Berry, who plays Dan Burrell, highlighted Melbourne's unique beauty: "Looking out and seeing the sun setting over the water, and the red in the sky, it did make me fall in love with Melbourne. It's not the Australia that many people understand as their idea of what Australia is... Melbourne has its own beautiful landscapes that I don't really think people have really come to appreciate exist in Australia. It's cold, it's moody, it's misty, it's raining. And it's also sometimes bright and beautiful, and it has so many different pockets of natural beauty that were unique to me, and will be unique to audiences."
Additional Filming Details
Some scenes were shot at Network 10 studios in Nunawading, Melbourne, which also produced Neighbours. Riptide will repeat on Channel 5 on Monday, June 29 at 9pm.
